MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Maverick Vinales and Jorge Lorenzo have outlined their joint ambitions for the 2026 MotoGP season after working together during pre-season testing in Sepang and Buriram ahead of the championship opener.
The collaboration sees Lorenzo take on a mentoring role, focusing particularly on strengthening Vinales’ mental approach alongside technical refinement within the KTM project. After three months of preparation, both believe they have established a solid foundation before entering full competition.
Asked whether he has fully recovered from his recent injury, Vinales confirmed he feels race-ready, even if his overall recovery remains ongoing.
“I think for riding, yes. We trained well, so I feel ready. For normal life, I still need a few more months.”
Lorenzo was clear about his motivation in supporting Vinales’ 2026 campaign.
“Winning, winning, and winning. I have always believed that Maverick has a lot of talent and that, for some reason, he has not been able to develop his full potential.”
Vinales responded candidly, acknowledging that their recent work together has prompted self-reflection.
“After three months working together, I realise that clearly I was not doing everything I could to reach my full potential. My commitment to MotoGP has always been 100 percent. Now I see it as 150 percent.”
For Vinales, the opening round in Buriram represents a defining early test for the project.
“I think Buriram will be the test. If we get through Buriram, I think we can last a bit longer. It will be a tough test for us.”
He revealed that the decision to reconnect with Lorenzo came after difficulties adapting to the KTM package.
“It happened when I joined the KTM project because I was struggling to adapt to the bike, and I thought he could help me a lot.”
Ambition, he explained, is now the driving force behind his renewed focus.
“First of all, the ambition and the desire to win the title. For me, that is fundamental. I have had this dream since I was a child, and I believe I can achieve it. But I need the right tools to do it. Working with Jorge, I think I have those tools.”
Lorenzo identified Vinales’ natural talent as his strongest attribute but emphasised that mental consistency remains the key area for improvement.
“He has incredible talent in understanding things and a natural ability to do things very quickly. What he needs to improve is the mental side. The confidence he has in certain situations must be more positive, and when he faces problems, he needs to change how he speaks to himself.”
Vinales dismissed suggestions that 2026 represents his final opportunity to contend at the front.
“No, I’m just starting. In terms of years, I still have a lot of time. I could race until I’m 42, like Valentino Rossi. Physically, I feel very strong.”
With technical groundwork laid during testing and a renewed psychological framework in place, the Vinales-Lorenzo partnership will face its first competitive assessment at the Thai Grand Prix. The outcome may determine whether this collaboration can finally unlock the championship potential long associated with Vinales’ career.
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